Make your holiday baking simple and festive with these easy Christmas cookies recipes! These delightful treats are quick to prepare and perfect for gifting, parties, or enjoying with loved ones. From classic sugar cookies to no-bake favorites, these recipes bring joy to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Easy Christmas Cookies

Basic Cookie Ingredients:

• Butter: Softened unsalted butter for a rich flavor
• Sugar: Granulated, brown, or powdered sugar for sweetness
• Flour: All-purpose flour as the base for most recipes
• Flavoring: Vanilla or almond extract for festive notes
• Decorations: Sprinkles, icing, or chocolate chips for holiday flair

Easy Christmas Cookies Recipes to Try

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

These buttery cookies are perfect for cutting into festive shapes and decorating with icing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
2. Gradually mix in flour and baking powder. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
3. Roll out dough, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

2. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Quick and delicious, these cookies require no oven!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 3 cups quick oats

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine butter, milk, sugar, and cocoa. Boil for 1 minute.
2. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and oats.
3. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper and let cool.

3. Thumbprint Cookies

A classic holiday cookie filled with your favorite jam.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup jam (any flavor)

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar, then mix in egg yolks and flour.
2. Roll dough into balls and make a small indent in each.
3. Fill indents with jam and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.

4. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These soft, fudgy cookies are topped with festive crushed peppermint.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Crushed candy canes for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix cocoa, sugar, and oil. Add eggs and stir until smooth.
2. Fold in flour and baking powder. Chill dough for 2 hours.
3. Roll into balls, coat with powdered sugar, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes while warm.

Why These Recipes Work

• Simple Ingredients: Most recipes use pantry staples.
• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and bake time for busy holiday schedules.
• Customizable: Add sprinkles, candies, or nuts to suit your preferences.

Pro Tips for Christmas Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Helps cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
• Decorate After Cooling: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding icing or decorations.

Storage Guidelines

• Refrigerate Dough: Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 days before baking.
• Store Baked Cookies: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freeze: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and decorate as needed.